The 10 Most Interesting People in Mets History (Pt. I)
Part I: Outrageous and interesting characters who played for or managed the Mets.
The New York Mets have a uniquely rich history.
It started on Day One with Joan Payson, then Casey Stengel, the infamous 1962 Mets, the legend of Tom Seaver, a miracle in 1969, Tug McGraw, 1986 from A-Z, Bobby Valentine … well, you get the idea.
The franchise is filled with outrageous games, Amazin’ moments, and outlandish and over-the-top characters. In today’s Substack newsletter we rewind and introduce you the 10 Most Interesting People in Mets history.
Note: The list is not exhaustive or in any particular order of listing, but it makes for a fun debate and brings back some memorable names.
Jimmy Piersall
The man hit his 100th career home run while playing for the Mets and proceeded to run the bases backwards in celebration, how could Jimmy Piersall not make this list!?
"People come out to the ball park and expect to see me go crazy. So every once in a while I'll give them a thrill and do something nuts, like sit on the outfield fence or argue with an umpire. Just enough for people to enjoy." - Jimmy Piersall
Piersall was a character on and off the field. His life story became a book and later a movie, Fear Strikes Out.
Tom Seaver
While Piersall left teammates and fans scratching their heads over his wacky behavior, Tom Seaver had opposing hitters scratching their heads in disbelief of his talent. Seaver was labeled “The Franchise” for a reason: He was — and still is — the greatest player in Mets history. Seaver, a member of the MetsRewind Hall of Fame and the Hall in Cooperstown, is a 300-game winner (311) and struck out 3,640 hitters.
For all his success on the field, Seaver was equally fascinating off the field. He spoke frankly about social issues, art and business. He eventually moved back to California where he built a successful wine production business.
Tug McGraw
McGraw’s book, Screwball, is a must for any Mets fan. His war cry — “Ya’ Gotta Believe” — played an important role in sparking the team from worst to first in 1973.
McGraw could always be counted on for a great quote:
"Ninety percent (of my salary) I'll spend on good times, women and Irish Whiskey. The other ten percent I'll probably waste."
"Ten million years from now, when then sun burns out and the Earth is just a frozen iceball hurtling through space, nobody's going to care whether or not I got this guy out."
"I have no trouble with the twelve inches between my elbow and my palm. It's the seven inches between my ears that's bent."
George Theodore
Don’t take my word for it, just listen to George Theodore tell you about his life and career with the Mets. Theodore joined the @MetsRewind Podcast to talk about his memories. He is a kind, humble man with a sense of wonder. It’s worth a listen, or come back for seconds.
Bobby Valentine
Of the 23 managers in team history, Bobby Valentine is one of eight who also played for the team (Gil Hodges, Roy McMillan, Joe Torre, Bud Harrelson, Mike Cubbage, Willie Randolph and Yogi Berra).
He is/was a polarizing figure to fans and some who played for him. Either way, the man they called Bobby V. is one-of-a-kind.
Understanding the use of an adjective or an adverb and figuring out verb tenses won't help you play baseball in the States. It's all about learning pitchers and teammates.
Like Theodore, Valentine joined the @MetsRewind Podcast to discuss his book (Valentine’s Way), 9/11 and his days managing in New York.
Part II of the 10 Most Interesting People in Mets History will be available on Wednesday, January 1. We hope you enjoy it!